そして means and; and then. It is a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar pattern used to add information or connect events.
This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to add information or connect events, そして is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences.
What does そして mean?
Use そして when you want to add information or connect events.
Natural translations include:
- and
- and then
- and; and then
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form そして
Sentence. + そして + sentence.
Examples of the pattern:
- そして、行きます
- そして、勉強します
- そして、有名です
Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is そして used?
Use そして in situations like:
- adding another fact
- linking actions
- continuing a description
Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions
そして example sentences
- 彼は親切です。そして、面白いです。 — He is kind, and he is interesting.
- 朝ご飯を食べました。そして、学校へ行きました。 — I ate breakfast, and then I went to school.
- この町は静かです。そして、きれいです。 — This town is quiet and beautiful.
- 日本語を聞きます。そして、声に出して読みます。 — I listen to Japanese, and then I read it aloud.
- 駅で友達に会いました。そして、一緒に帰りました。 — I met my friend at the station, and we went home together.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation.
Nuance of そして
The key nuance is adds the next idea smoothly.
This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For そして, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context.
For example:
- In conversation, it helps the listener understand adds the next idea smoothly.
- Compared with それから, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close.
そして vs それから
Both そして and それから can express related ideas, but they are different.
そして:
- adds facts or events broadly
- not always strongly time-based
それから:
- more clearly means “after that”
- often emphasizes sequence
Quick contrast examples:
- 彼は親切です。そして、面白いです。— He is kind, and he is interesting.
- 宿題をしました。それから、寝ました。— I did homework. After that, I slept.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation.
Common mistakes with そして
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using そして for contrast
- Overusing it between every sentence
- Confusing it with それから when exact sequence matters
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is そして on the JLPT?
Yes. そして is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for そして
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Connect two adjectives about a town.
- Say you ate breakfast and went to school.
- Add one more fact with そして.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn そして with Kanjiru
If you want to review そして together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N5 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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